If someone doesn’t know the difference between the M16 and the AR15, they shouldn’t be writing an article that says they are one and the same. The M16 is a high capacity, fully automatic weapon. Thank goodness our troops have it to defend themselves and this country.

The AR15 is a sporting rifle. It is a semi-automatic: one trigger pull, one shot. Yes, it does look like the M16, but that is all. The AR15 is used for target shooting in competition where the bullets are punching holes in targets. It sees limited use for hunting.

I am a lifetime member of the NRA. The NRA does not promote nor endorse the use or possession of automatic rifles. They do promote gun safety, competitive shooting, safe hunting and youth education. I would like to know where Mr. Johnson came up with results of the two surveys he quoted: 82 percent of Americans support limiting sales of military-style assault weapons and 51 percent of all NRA members support registration of handguns.